Changing Of The Guard In Carolina Panthers Backfield?

A little over two months ago, we spotlighted Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks as a 2026 RB sleeper.

Despite having only played three NFL games over his first two seasons, he was fully healthy and turning heads at camp.

Still, every reasonable analyst acknowledged that Chuba Hubbard was still the lead back in Carolina, and Brooks would have to earn every touch and prove he could stay healthy.

Well, the tables appear to have turned because Hubbard suffered a hamstring injury yesterday and is now considered “week-to-week.” HC Dave Canales told reporters that Chuba should be fine for Week 1, but also that the team will be “smart about it.”

Accordingly, we’ve adjusted the ranks. And by “we” I mean Dwain McFarland. And by “adjusted,” I mean specifically that we now officially have Brooks ahead of Hubbard. Take it away, Dwain …

Brooks: Increased attempt share and route share. Already a strong drum beat for Brooks and now Hubbard has the hamstring injury. I see this as a backfield that will be tight from Day 1. Will monitor and adjust accordingly. Now projects as the RB30. Moved up +1 in ranks to RB30.

Hubbard: Decreased attempt share and route share. Still has slight edge over Brooks, but less efficient. Drops to RB33 in projections. Drops -2 in ranks to RB31. Tough click, might still move him lower.

Brooks was already surging up draft boards and this certainly won’t help the cause.

I know this is not the fun takeaway to make when things break right for a sleeper, but I’d proceed with caution as his ADP moves to new heights. If he flips Jadarian Price, I’m out.

And on that same note, I’m willing to slurp the Hubbard dipperino if he falls too far. This will still be a split backfield the second Hubbard is healthy.

If the market gets too overconfident and leaves Hubbard for dead, he’ll represent a nice value in the same way Chris Rodriguez is too cheap relative to Bhayshul Tuten.

MORE ON HUBBARD & TYSON INJURIES

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For all the people who a year ago were calling Drake Maye a sleeper, who could have predicted a near-MVP season? After passing for 4,394 yards and 31 TDs, adding in 450 rushing yards and 4 scores, and finishing tied for fourth with 20.4 fantasy points per game, Maye has risen the ranks to superstar status. Now he just got A.J. Brown added to the WR room. He’ll be 24, is projected for another big year and forward-thinking fantasy managers can see Maye as a QB they can count on for years to come.

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Around the Watercooler

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One of the most anticipated columns of the year has arrived! Matthew Berry’s 100 Facts is here, and for the first time it’s on FantasyLife.com! Let’s party! Oh, this isn’t Fantasy Football Happy Hour. Still, tune in there.

While we won’t give away any of the facts in the column, we thought it might be good to offer up some hints of what’s inside:

This QB has thrown for 18,206 yards and 130 TDs since 2022
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This is only the beginning. To get the answers and all 100 facts, you know what to do. ⬇️

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One of the most underrated cool parts of fantasy football draft szn is when fantasy analysts take stands. Plant flags. It’s time to declare My Guys. It’s cooterdoodle’s turn to step up and drop the three players she’s targeting in her drafts. She went different positions for each, and put them at different parts of the draft, according to the latest ADP.

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Chopping Up Preseason News

The preseason news is flowing HEAVY, so there’s plenty for Marcas Grant and Tipp Major to chop it up about in the latest installment of the CHOP Podcast. How does the news impact Guillotine Leagues^TM? Don’t miss an episode of the CHOP Podcast. SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

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Published Aug 14, 2026, 6:00 AM ET